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Bolt's seat reserved in Cabinet?

Published:Monday | August 15, 2016 | 12:00 AM
Bolt

Sports Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange could very well be out of a job. In fact, Usain Bolt could even get any other ministerial position for that matter - if he wants to.

In an interview with BBC, Prime Minister Andrew Holness was asked if Bolt would get an appointment in his Cabinet after retirement. Holness joked that he has already reserved a seat for Bolt.

"[He could be] minister of sports, but Usain could be minister of anything he wants," the prime minister declared.

 

PURE MAGIC

 

Bolt became the first man to win three Olympic 100m gold medals following a showdown at the Rio Games, currently under way in Brazil. He has now taken his tally to seven.

Holness, who watched the race in Rio, described Bolt's win as exciting.

"[It was] pure magic, the energy was just incredible. I was on my feet, I was jumping, and at the same reflecting, just looking around the stadium to see people of all races, all nations, celebrating - literally willing Usain on to win."

He, however, noted that it was imperative that the Government found ways to capitalise on the sprint sensation's fame in a bid to create opportunities for the country.

"Usain Bolt is already a very great partner of Jamaica. He's probably our best ambassador, probably next to Bob Marley; maybe now he's the most known Jamaican," said Holness.

"It's important to use the fame and the achievement of Usain Bolt for the benefit of Jamaica. It does open doors in countries that are far away from Jamaica. He's not just a sportsman, he's an ambassador for Jamaica. He takes Jamaica with him, so it's critical that the Government find ways to utilise this incredible energy of Usain Bolt," he said.